I have seen this mower before. It looks like a very popular tractor from the last decade. It took me a while to figure out exactly where I had seen it, but finally I figured it out. It has the exact same specs as a 2008 Craftsman. Right down to the hood, engine type, turning radius and controls. Because of this fact I will change my normal review layout to include a direct comparison of this tractor with the 2011 Craftsman it is competing against.

What a compliment to Sears and their Craftsman tractors. It’s one thing when someone copies your work because they like it and feel it is the only way to compete. It’s another when they use your old, outdated technology to say they have a “new” riding mower.

Face it, Craftsman mowers are popular. They consistantly are the best rated mowers in the industry and eventually you will own one. They are so popular that it looks like Home Depot is now offering similar (read older) versions of them with Poulan and Ariens names and colors. The Poulan has gone so far as to use the red color instead of it’s own black/yellow paint scheme!

Proof? I happen to have a copies of the 2008, 2009 and 2010 spec books that a Sears Sales Associates carried around in their pocket to help you find the right mower. This is the handbook that goes along with the hours of training every Sears Lawn & Garden Associate gets before they are allowed to help you. Anyway, I spent a few hours comparing the specs of the “new” Ariens mowers at Home Depot and I have come to the conclusion that these Ariens tractors have the same, exact specs that the Craftsman models had in 2008!

Ariens and Home Depot are welcome to contact me and show me the difference! I’m sure the engines in these mowers have the required EPA changes for 2011 otherwise I can’t tell the difference between these “new” mowers and the 2008 Craftsman lineup.

The Ariens does not have the 6 inch Turn Tight Technology the 2012 Craftsman’s have. In fact the Ariens has a large 16 inch turning radius. The older Craftsman had a 14 inch.

Direct Comparison of this tractor with the Craftsman it is competing against.

Product Data is taken directly from Home Depot .com and Sears.com at the time of this review. Please check the sites for current info.

Brand: Ariens Model 960460024 Craftsman Model 28851

Engine Size: Ariens 19 hp Craftsman 21 hp

Cylinder: Ariens 1 Craftsman 1

Transmission: Ariens Hydrostatic Craftsman Hydrostatic

Cut Width: Ariens 42 in. Craftsman 42 in.

Blades: Ariens 2 Craftsman 2

Turning Radius: Ariens 16 in. Craftsman 8 in.

Frame: Ariens Steel CraftsmanSteel

Cutting Positions: Ariens 6 Craftsman 6

Forward Speed: Ariens 5-1/2 MPH Craftsman 5-1/2 MPH

Gas Tank: Ariens 1.5 gallon Craftsman 1.5 gallon

Average Price: Ariens $1399 Craftsman $1399

What I Like!

This mower is great for those of you who want a good, basic and don’t have a lot of obstacles to mow around. The fender mounted hydro will work well for normal mowing tasks. It will mow well and the 19 hp motor should have enough power to do your weekly lawn chores. Don’t expect to mow very fast if you have dense, heavy grass or you don’t get around to mowing as often as you should.

Product Description From Home Depot.com

This Ariens riding tractor has premium features found on more expensive tractors such as a powerful Kohler 19 HP engine, a hydrostatic automatic transmission, plus a 42 in. mowing deck with 4 deck wheels and a wash out port, all at a value price. Throw in a comfortable high back seat and handy beverage holder and you will find this solid looking riding tractor is all you need to get the job done quickly and easily.

7 Comments

@James, A residential mower is designed to mow about 50 hours a year. That will give most owners 10 years of active use (with proper maintenance)

A commercial zero-turn is designed to mow 50 hours a week. That will give most owners 5 years or more of active use with proper maintenance.

4 acres a day is about 4 hours a day with a 42 inch deck. So you will use this tractor about the same in 2 weeks as the normal homeowner would use it in a year. Or in one year you will use your tractor about the same as a homeowner would in 10 years.

You will have to sharpen/replace blades every week. Buy 3 or 4 extra sets of blades. You will have to change oil every 2 weeks and filters every 3 to 4 weeks. You need to have an extra spindle assembly and two sets of belts on hand, all the time. Expect flat tires. Go to Walmart and buy a gallon of Slime and put 12 ounces in the front tires and 20 ounces in the rears. Carry a small 12 volt air compressor with you in the truck.

What this means is you will have to factor the cost of the maintenance and the fact that you will need to replace your tractor every 12 to 18 months into the cost of your mowing. You should also factor into the price upgrading to a heavier duty machine the next time around.

While I have your attention – spend at least $300 on a string trimmer and over $200 in a hand held blower. (Buy commercial grade) Again the residential machines like Craftsman, Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt are not designed to make money with.

If you do all this – then yes you can start a local business with it.

GilJanuary 8, 2015

Laguna Niguel, CA
I have an opportunity to buy a used Ariens Tractor Model 936038. – A19K42 with a Kolher engine My intent is to refresh my back yard (about a quarter acre) by discing, level and prepping the soil.. Would this be a tractor I should consider for this job? Are accessories available for tractor to complete this task?

Paul SikkemaJanuary 9, 2015

@Gil, That tractor is a lawn tractor and not designed at all for moving soil. The frame, transmission is too light and it does not weigh enough to get any traction for moving dirt. It is designed to mow lawns and pull a small yard cart. That said, the tractor uses a lawn tractor frame so a sleeve hitch will not fit. A sleeve hitch is used for a disk and box blade. About the only thing you could do with it is pull a section of chain link fence for the final soil prep.

You don’t have a very large area to do so I suggest renting a Turf Teq Power Rake. Watch this video to see what it can do. Turf Teq. Most rental companies have one. Otherwise hire a contractor to come in with a Harley Rake and skid steer to prep your lawn.

gJanuary 9, 2015

Paul – Thank you for your response and recommendation. I’ve never heard of a Turf Rake before. I appreciate your quick response. One other question. Do any of the small yard tractors have the capability to pull a small disc or blade scraper?

Paul SikkemaJanuary 9, 2015

@Gil, No, The industry has really gone to using ATV’s for that type of work around the ranch. The only tractors that are “rated” for ground engaging work are the Garden Tractors like the Craftsman G5500. Even the LGT (light garden tractors) like the Husqvarna LGT2654 and the Craftsman G5100 are not rated for ground engaging work.